2009-10 College Football Bowl Preview

College football fans wait all year for Bowl Season and it is finally upon us. This year there are 34 bowls which will be featuring five undefeated teams.

New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs. Wyoming

            Wyoming coach Dave Christensen is the only first-year Mountain West coach to get his team into a bowl game. However, his great season will end with a loss as Fresno State should run all over a Wyoming defense that is allowing 170 rushing yards per game.

St. Petersburg Bowl: UCF vs. Rutgers

            Since these two teams look even on paper, it would be easy to take UCF because they are playing at home. However, Rutgers has played against better competition all year and has shown that it can win on the road when it beat then 24^th ranked USF 31-0 in the Sunshine State. Rutgers has been trying to recruit in the state of Florida for years and this year they will win the bowl game and show recruits why they should play football in the Big East.

R+L Carriers New Orleans: Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee

            Middle Tennessee is on a six game win streak and should make it seven with a bowl victory. Both these teams have impressive offenses meaning that the defensive units will decide this game. The front seven of Middle Tennessee leads the nation in tackles for loss and is fourth in sacks per game. They will be the difference and should lead the Blue Raiders to victory.

Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State vs. BYU

            Oregon State leads the all-time series 5-3 and will be leading when time expires at the Vegas Bowl. The Cougars are favored to win, but Oregon State is a good team that was one win away from a Rose Bowl Berth. The Beavers have a balanced offensive attack and will rely on Canfield and the Rodgers brothers to get the victory.

Poinsettia Bowl: Utah vs. Cal

            Utah has won 8 straight bowl games, but will not be able to keep up with Cal. The Golden Bears will welcome back running back Jahvid Best who has not played since he suffered a concussion versus Oregon State. Utah lost all three games that it played against ranked opponents this season. Utah’s nine win are a result of their schedule and not necessarily their talent level. They are a good team that will compete with Cal, but in the end the Bears should win.

Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. SMU

            SMU is going to its first bowl game since 1984. This is the same team that lost to Washington State so no one should be expecting much. Nevada has thee 1,000 yard rushers and boasts the nation’s best rushing attack. Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for 1,875 yards this year and will lead the Wolf Pack to a win in Hawaii.

Little Caesars Bowl: Marshall vs. Ohio

            Ohio has a hard time defending the run and Marshall has a star running back, but it is hard to pick a team that has in interim head coach. Marshall Head coach Mark Snyder resigned after the final regular season game. Bowl games are often determined by coaching changes that take place shortly after the regular season ends. Ohio began to click late in the season and will continue to roll with a bowl game victory.

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pitt vs. North Carolina

            North Carolina has been inconsistent all year and their lack of consistent execution will cost them in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Pittsburgh was impressive in the Big East Championship, but lost a heartbreaker. The Panthers will get back on track and should be celebrating a bowl victory in late December.

Emerald Bowl: Boston College vs. USC

            While both teams will enter the game at 8-4 their seasons had two very different stories. Boston College overachieved and is excited to be playing in a bowl game. USC has gone to a BCS bowl each of the past seven seasons and is not ranked in the top 25 for the first time in eight years. The Trojans have lost three of their final five games, but should win this game because they are the more talented team. USC may come out uninspired because they are not playing in a BCS Bowl, but the Trojans are the better team and should come away with a victory.

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Clemson

            Clemson was five points away from winning the ACC and clinching a BCS berth. C.J Spiller will lead Clemson to a victory over a Kentucky team that was only 3-5 in conference play this season.

Independence Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Georgia

            Georgia has lost three defensive coaches since the season ended. This will make it harder for them to prepare for an A&M offense that was showcased to the country on Thanksgiving against Texas. A&M averages 33 points a game and Georgia gives up 26 points per game. Georgia has struggled on defense all year and they will continue to struggle in the Independence Bowl.

EagleBank Bowl: UCLA vs. Temple

            After Navy beat Army, UCLA was guaranteed a spot in the EagleBank Bowl. UCLA has struggled this year because of the lack of consistency from the quarterback position. However, Rick Neuheisel is a good coach who will get the most out of his team with the extra time to prepare. Look for a Bruin victory.

Champs Sports Bowl: Miami vs. Wisconsin

            Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay will look to continue his great rushing season in the Champs Sports Bowl. Miami struggled in the second half of the season, but I like them to win this game because it will be played in Orlando. As evidenced by their early season wins, Miami has the talent to be a great team if they could only execute consistently. Miami has the ability to win this bowl game and they will come away with a victory.

Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Idaho

            This game looks to be a high-scoring match-up that could go either way. I’m picking Idaho solely for the fact that this game is in the state of Idaho so they should have the “home-field” advantage which is all so important in close games.

Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. Nebraska

            Both teams come into this bowl game with completely different emotions. Arizona is thrilled after coming off a win over USC, while Nebraska is bewildered following a last second loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game. Arizona will be without defensive coordinator Mark Stoops who just accepted a job at Florida State. The Wildcats should be okay though because Nebraska does not have very much of an offense. Arizona will struggle against Nebraska’s defense, but they should be able to score enough points to come away with a narrow victory.

Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs. Air Force

            The nation’s best passing attack (Houston) will be facing the nation’s best passing defense (Air Force). Case Keenum and the Houston Cougars won this match-up last year, but Air Force has an improved defense and should be able to slow down the passing attack. Houston may be favored, but I’m picking the defense to win this game and that means I’m going with Air Force.

Sun Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Stanford

            Not only has Bob Stoops lost five of his last six bowl games, but he is also playing without his tight end and his Heisman winning quarterback. Stanford will be playing in a bowl for the first time in eight years and the Cardinal will be motivated to win the game. Freshman quarterback Andrew Luck, may be out of this game, but Stanford will still have the ability to run the ball with Toby Gerhart. The 235 pound running back carried the Cardinal all season and he will carry them to a bowl victory in El Paso.

Texas Bowl: Navy vs. Missouri

            Navy likes to run the ball, Missouri likes to throw. The Tigers have scored at least 32 points in each of its past five games. Navy is always impressive, but it is hard to see them slowing down the Tigers in this match up. The Missouri offense is just too good and will put up plenty of points in this matchup.

Insight Bowl: Minnesota vs. Iowa State

            Iowa State was 2-10 last year and will finish off a great turn-around season with a bowl appearance. This should be a close game and I’m giving Iowa State the edge because of their ability to run the ball and control the clock. Iowa State averages 178 rushing yards per game which is 36^th in the country.

Chick-fil-A: Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee

            In his first year as head coach, Lane Kiffin will lead Tennessee to Atlanta where they will play Virginia Tech. The Hokies have a great rushing attack led by Ryan Williams who had nine 100 yard games this season. Virginia Tech is the better team and is ranked 11^th in the country for a reason. They have lost in their past two trips to Atlanta, but that streak will end on New Year’s Eve.

Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs. Auburn

            Auburn has lost five of its past six while Northwestern has been on a hot streak winning four of its past five. Auburn is the better team, but Northwestern will be motivated to capture its first bowl win since 1949. I’m picking Northwestern because they are the hotter team with more to play for.

Capital One Bowl: Penn State vs. LSU

            Big-10 vs. SEC. Both teams started out the season with BCS dreams. LSU is full of speed and athleticism which usually give teams from the Big-10 trouble. This game will also be played in the state of Florida which is much closer for LSU meaning that the stands will be full of yellow and purple. It’s hard to pick against legendary Joe Paterno, but this time it seems like picking Les Miles is the safer bet. Hopefully for LSU fans, the Tigers won’t have to manage the clock and win this game in the closing seconds.

Gator Bowl: West Virginia vs. Florida State

            The story of this game is that it is the last game for legendary coach Bobby Bowden. The sad reality is that he will go out on a loss. Florida State has struggled defensively all year and it is hard to imagine them stopping the Big East’s number two rushing attack.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon

            Number seven versus number eight. Fourth ranked rushing attack versus fifth ranked rush defense. Pac-10 versus Big-10. Ohio State versus Oregon should be a pretty good Rose Bowl. The Ducks have always had a great offense but the difference this year is the Ducks’ defense. Ohio State has lost its past two bowl games and will extend its streak to three in Pasadena. The Ducks should get the victory and erase the idea that that Pac-10 is a one team conference.

Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Cincinnati

            Tim Tebow’s last game as well as Cincinnati’s first game without Brian Kelly. The legendary Florida Gator quarterback will finish up his career in the Sugar Bowl. Cincinnati will be looking to prove that they belong, but will fall short because of the distractions of losing their head coach in addition to Tim Tebow’s desire to win his final game. Tebow is a fierce competitor who hates to lose more than he loves to win. His competitive nature will lead the Gators to victory as he has done so many times before.

International Bowl: South Florida vs. Northern Illinois

            South Florida started the year 5-0 but finished just 7-5. The Bulls are much more athletic than Northern Illinois, but have problems with consistency. Since the Bulls will have ample time to prepare, I expect that they will be able to properly prepare and use their skill and natural athleticism to bury Northern Illinois.

Papa Johns Bowl: South Carolina vs. UConn

            After the death of Jasper Howard, UConn became everyone’s favorite team. The Huskies are on a three game win streak and will beat South Carolina in their bowl game. South Carolina lost four of its final six.

AT&T Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

            Both these teams were in the top ten early in the year and suffered disappointing losses. Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster has the chance to become the first player in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 500 receiving yards in the same season. Jevean Snead and Zack Robinson are both talented quarterbacks, but the loss of Dez Bryant will hurt the Cowboys and lead to an Ole Miss victory.

Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs. East Carolina

            Despite coming off an impressive upset of Houston to win the Conference USA title, East Carolina will lose to Arkansas. The Razorbacks will have the home field advantage as many fans will be able to make the drive to Memphis, Tennessee, to watch their team in a bowl game. The Razorbacks will show that playing in the nation’s best conference has left them battle tested and ready to face a worthy East Carolina team.

Alamo Bowl: Michigan State vs. Texas Tech

            Texas Tech loves to throw the ball and should have a field day throwing against the Spartans who ranked 103 in pass defense and allowed 29 passing touchdowns on the season. Michigan State is also good at throwing the ball, but the Red Raider defense has been better than expected all year and will come up with enough stops to get their team the w.

Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs. Boise State

            TCU may be ranked higher, but Boise State will win this game because of one reason: Kellen Moore.       These are two of the nation’s top offenses averaging 44 and 40 points per game. The defense will take a back seat in this game as everyone watches the two high powered offenses go to work. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore has throw for 39 touchdown passes and just three interceptions on the year. Moore is the most efficient quarterback in the country and will ensure that Boise State improves to 2-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Orange Bowl: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech

            Georgia Tech has a triple option offense that has looked unstoppable all year long. Iowa has become known as the luckiest team in the country after they pulled out close win after close win. The Hawkeyes flirted with disaster all year long and it will finally cost them when they go up against a great offense like Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have the ability to control the game and the tempo and will be able to keep Iowa off the field. Iowa had seven wins this season that were decided in the last minute. While this game may be exciting and decided late, the Hawkeyes will not finish on top.

GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Troy

            Central Michigan won their third MAC Championship in the past four years. Dan LeFevour is an outstanding quarterback who threw for 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. Troy is coming off a Sun Belt championship, but will fall short against Central Michigan Chippewas.

BCS National Championship: Texas vs. Alabama

            While the Crimson Tide defense was impressive against Florida and the Longhorns were less than impressive against Nebraska; I’m still picking Texas. The Texas defense will key in on Heisman winner Mark Ingram and force McElroy to beat them. Having faced Nebraska the Longhorns know what facing a great defense is like. Alabama is a better defense than Nebraska, but the Longhorns got a taste and will have the incentive to prepare and get ready. Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley lead a passing attack that will put points on the board and will help to return the crystal ball to Austin.